Am sad that NW5 lost such an iconic place, but glad in part that it has reopened as a pub. It looks very pleasant as you'd expect.

However, although I like the pseudo-craft stuff they sell and will happily pay a bit more on occasion, I couldn't help but internally sigh on being asked for another 35p when handing over a fiver for my Camden Hells. This is what is becoming of so many pubs in London. Soaring rents price out leaseholders on the old characterful places, they're forced to close and pubcos/big brewers steam in. Emphasis on fancy food and beer with prices to match. This was once a rough-around-the-edges London gem. Now it's like all the rest.

First visit today since the refurb/Youngs takeover. What used to be a splendid rel Irish pub, with a great live music venue attached has now been turned into a soulless gastro pub catering for the "Henry and Jemima" clientele who are willing to pay over £4.50 for a pint and over £12 for a burger (well it is artisan bread with hand crafted lentils). A great loss for the area.

According to CAMRA 'London Drinker' Aug/Sept 2015 (v37n4) this reopened April 2015 after its refurb.

"To the consternation of music fans, the venue (former billiard room) is now used for dining. . . .Boulogne Bar cocktail lounge upstairs. Wells Young's Bitter, Special and seasonal, plus a guest, e.g. Redemption."

Happy memories of several gigs here in the '80s, hope they can be reinstated some time.